IN Greensburg Salem Spring 2018 | Page 40

Hutchinson Elementary Partners with Universities to Support Students Education students from Seton Hill University, University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg and Carlow University have been learning the ropes and gaining valuable classroom experience thanks to partnerships with Hutchinson Elementary. Fourth grade teacher Robin Moyer and first grade teacher Christa Stedeford coordinate with local universities to provide their pre-service teachers with opportunities to accumulate the hours they need for their coursework, while providing additional assistance in Hutchinson’s classrooms. Mrs. Moyer serves as the Pitt PALS (Partners Assisting Learners in Schools) Coordinator, working in conjunction with Dr. Vickilyn Barnot, Pitt’s Director of Early Childhood Education. The Pitt PALS partnership was designed to offer a valuable beginning field experience for pre-service teachers, enabling them to help young students learn classroom routines, assist during lunch, recess and dismissal, aid teachers with special projects and events, and work with students to improve fluency, math facts and spelling. Eleven pre-service teachers helped in K-4th grade classes through Pitt PALS during the first semester. “Our students LOVE to work with the Pitt students and receive one-on-one attention,” said Mrs. Moyer. “The Pitt students are eager to return each week, so it is a win- win situation for everyone!” Mrs. Stedeford has worked with Seton Hill University for three years to pair their pre-student teachers with Hutchinson classrooms. Approximately 15-20 college students participate each term in Kindergarten and first grade classes, working with students individually or in small groups to review skills, drill sight words and listen to them read. Mrs. Stedeford stated, “The benefits for our students are huge! They are thrilled to have someone to talk with them, get to know them and help them grow academically. They thrive on repetition of skills, and I personally see academic growth in my own students.” The young learners at Hutchinson Elementary aren’t the only students who are benefiting from this academic partnership. Kelcey Miller, a junior at Seton Hill University, enjoyed the hands-on nature of being in a first grade classroom. “It really taught me how to quickly adapt content for the diverse learners of the class,” Kacey said. “I will take what I have learned in Mrs. Stedeford’s classroom with me as I prepare for pre-student teaching and student teaching.” Although Brittani Malik has spent five semesters as the Student Coordinator of the Pitt PALS program, she enjoys the program so much that she continues to serve as a classroom volunteer. “From my experiences with different classroom teachers and different grade levels of students, I have gained not only many hours of experience, but also a lot of valuable teaching tips from each of the teachers I have been paired with,” said Brittani. “The tricks of the trade and different teaching styles I have observed will carry with me into my future career as a teacher.” Pitt student Brittani Malik assists Mrs. Moyer’s 4th grade students. Small Change, Big Difference Rachel and Kaylena’s idea effected change states away! 38 GREENSBURG SALEM Two fifth-grade Metzgar Elementary students were deeply concerned when they learned of the devastating effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma on the people of Texas and Florida.  Hearing how her family in Texas was affected by the destructive winds, Rachel Kuhn teamed up with her friend Kaylena Lewis and brought an idea to their guidance counselor, Mrs. Jessica Pritts, who was excited to sponsor their event.    The girls proposed a school-wide “Silver War,” with all money collected to be donated to the Hand in Hand Hurricane Relief Fund.  The rules were simple- each class was given a container and students and teachers had one week to fill it with as many coins as they could.    Little did Rachel and Kaylena know that in five short days, the humanitarian efforts of their classmates AND teachers would bring in $2,340.00! Mrs. Gillespie’s fifth-grade class banked the most change, donating $337.00, all in loose change.   “I am speechless at the selflessness of the students, families, teachers and community of Metzgar Elementary and the Greensburg Salem School District,” stated Mrs. Pritts. “This money will go directly to families that our school is personally sponsoring. It will provide clothing for their children, food on their tables and a chance to rebuild their lives! Thank you, Metzgar Family!”   Kindness, empathy and a drive to take action guided Rachel and Kaylena to lead the fundraising efforts of the Metzgar Elementary community, demonstrating that little people CAN make a big difference in the world!